Officials urge residents to have plan for tornadoes

Ascension Parish Director of
Emergency Preparedness Richard Webre says a weather alert radio should be a
part of every home.

"You get a tone you know where to
go. It's all pre-planned. You don't have to think about it, move towards
location," said Webre.

Webre knows all about having a
plan. In early December, a tornado touched down in the Gonzales area. Two weeks
later on Christmas Day, Centreville, Mississippi was hit and then in January,
another touched down at a plant in Plaquemine. No major injuries were reported
but Webre says planning ahead is the key.

"Go to a center section of the
house. It could be a hallway without windows. Stay away from windows. One of
the bathrooms is fine. Get to the strongest part of the house and the lowest
level is the key thing to remember," said Webre.

Remaining in one place during
tornado warnings and watches is what Louisiana State Police recommend as well,
unless it's to get to a safer location.

"If it's a tornado watch or
warning, stay off the roads," said Trooper Jared Sandifer. "If you don't have
to be out, don't be out and definitely when you're driving put the cell phone
down. It's not worth it to take your eyes off the road to take a picture of a
dangerous situation."

"What you want to do is get away
from the debris," said Webre. "Flying debris is what injures people during a
tornado."